Hunt for Limpopo poachers continues

2010-11-24 08:15

Johannesburg - Limpopo police continued a search on Wednesday morning for the people who killed two rhinos and injured another two on a farm near Thabazimbi, police said.

"We have not arrested anybody yet, the search continues," said Colonel Motlafela Mojapelo.

Mojapelo said farm workers heard automatic gun fire on Monday night and notified the police.

A team was set-up to trace the poachers on the 7 000-hectare farm.

The injured rhinos were found at different places on the farm with their horns not removed.

Two carcasses

As the search continued, two carcasses were found with horns removed.

"It appears these rhinos were shot and killed two weeks ago as some sounds of gunfire were heard on the same farm but subsequent searches did not yield any results."

A case of illegal hunting of Specially Protected Animals without a permit has since been opened.

Earlier on Tuesday police found another dead rhinoceros at a game farm in the same area. Its horn had not been removed, as police believe that the poachers were scared off by someone.

Anyone with information could call the police at 08600 10111 or Colonel Nelson Mabotja of the organised crime unit on 082 4517161.

- SAPA